Referee decides to end match 17 minutes early

Ballymena captain Clare Timoney was less than impressed with the referee when he abandoned their Concentrix Premiership game against leaders Glentoran Belfast United with 17 minutes left, handing them a 1-0 defeat.

Ballymena captain Clare Timoney was less than impressed with the referee when he abandoned their Concentrix Premiership game against leaders Glentoran Belfast United with 17 minutes left, handing them a 1-0 defeat.

Ballymena goalkeeper Ciara McCoy was taken to hospital with suspected concussion following a tackle and referee Stephen Donaldson immediately ended the game, even though both teams wanted to finish the game.

"I'm very upset," said captain Clare Timoney. "The referee called the game 17 minutes early when we were starting to dominate.

"I know Ciara got injured but both teams wanted to play on and we had a replacement keeper to come on," added the 25-year-old.

"Getting an equaliser could have changed the league," added the passionate midfielder.

The Glens had got off to a flying start as young Katie Martin hit the Allstars on the counter attack to score the goal which ultimately was the match decider.

However the Sky Blues didn't go down without a fight. They pressed the Glens' defence in the second half and came close to equalising with several opportunities from Hannah Henderson and Timoney herself.

The Allstars, having failed to capitalise on their encouraging openings, are left third from bottom, ahead of next week's difficult task against Linfield.